Iraqi Forces Prevent Delivery of Fuel to Camp Liberty

For the third straight day, Iraqi forces stationed at Camp Liberty near Baghdad International Airport, home to Iranian refugees, have prevented the delivery of fuel that forms part of the minimum humanitarian needs this camp relies on.

On Wednesday, August 13th, these Iraqi forces prevented the entrance of a fuel tanker and confiscated the vehicle. The tanker has been supplying the fuel purchased by the residents to this camp ever since Iranian refugees transferred to Camp Liberty.

In a similar measure, these forces on Thursday, August 14th, prevented the entrance of the second tanker delivering fuel by the same supplying company to Liberty. These repressive measures against Iranian refugees are being enforced by Major Ahmed Khozeir, who had prior to this participated directly in massacring the residents.

Providing minimum daily necessities in Camp Liberty relies on the continuous and non-stop flow of fuel into the camp. Lighting, cooking food, storing food stuffs, air conditioning in trailers where the residents are stationed in, pumping water into the camp and its purification, drainage of black water all rely on power generators that need fuel to run.

Shortage of fuel will lead to a serious crisis for the residents’ health and well-being, especially under the scorching summer heat in Iraq. Ever since their transfer to Camp Liberty, the residents have purchased their fuel and also paid for its delivery to the camp.

The Iranian Resistance calls on the United Nations and US government to take action, based on their written and repeated commitments on guaranteeing Liberty residents’ safety and security. The UN and US must help, to urgently end this criminal blockade, and prevent the Iraqi government from any type of disruption of the delivery fuel, food stuffs, logistical goods and other needs for the residents.

Shahriar Kia

Shahriar Kia is a member of the Iranian opposition (PMOI /MEK). He is a human rights activist and political analyst on Iran and the Middle East.